Men age 50 or older who have an enlarged prostate have a higher risk for prostatitis. The prostate gland may become blocked. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis can be similar to symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.

Symptoms

Symptoms can start quickly, and can include:

Chills

Fever

Flushing of the skin

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are similar, but not as severe. They often begin more slowly. Some people have no symptoms between episodes of prostatitis.

Pain or achiness in the abdomen above the pubic bone, in the lower back, in the area between the genitals and anus, or in the testicles

Pain with ejaculation or blood in the semen

Pain with bowel movements

If prostatitis occurs with an infection in or around the testicles (epididymitis or orchitis), you may also have symptoms of that condition.

Exams and Tests

During a physical exam, your health care provider may find:

Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in your groin

Fluid released from your urethra

Swollen or tender scrotum

The provider may perform a digital rectal exam to examine your prostate. During this exam, the provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. The exam should be done very gently to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria into the blood stream.

Prostatitis may affect the results of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

Treatment

Antibiotics are often used to treat prostate infections.

For acute prostatitis, you will take antibiotics for 2 to 6 weeks.

For chronic prostatitis, you will take antibiotics for at least 2 to 6 weeks. Because the infection can come back, you may need to take medicine for up to 12 weeks.

Often, the infection will not go away even after taking antibiotics for a long time. Your symptoms may come back when you stop the medicine.

If your swollen prostate gland makes it hard to empty your bladder, you may need a tube to empty it. The tube may be inserted through your abdomen (suprapubic catheter) or from inside your body (indwelling catheter).

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